$55
Mt. Baldy-buckhorn Ridge
Closed for the season
Booking Window: 6 months
Season Opens: Jun 24, 2025
Season Opens: Jun 24, 2025
6,157 ft
38°F
27°F
27°F
poor
Mount Baldy - Buckhorn Ridge Lookout, MT
Mount Baldy - Buckhorn Ridge Lookout is located in the Three Rivers Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest (2 hrs 53 min northeast of Coeur d'Alene, ID) with an elevation of 6,157 feet. The site is normally open from the end of June to the end of September. Prices start at $55.00 per night. Activities include hiking trails.
Campsite Reviews (28)
4.4 out of 5
| 5 star | 71% | |
| 4 star | 18% | |
| 3 star | 0% | |
| 2 star | 0% | |
| 1 star | 11% |
@JanaeM81C684A2 · Camped on Sep 26, 2024 at Campsite #1
2nd time staying at Baldy Buckhorn! I love the drive up there. We saw a rabbit, a few mulies, grouse, white tail deer, and lots of other birds. Beautiful sunset. Fast forward to our night.... HOLY MOLY! Biggest wind-storm Ive ever been in, in a tower. It rocked back and forth, shook us all night long! It was insane, and pretty scary! The wind howled through the glass pane windows! Was very glad when morning came---the wind still was blowing, but we had plans to head to Glacier, so we didnt stick around too long. The propane heat and stove were very much appreciated. We didnt get cold, and we were able to cook our hamburgers. It was awesome. I was a tad disappointed that this tower was a bit dirty. Hadnt been swept or wiped down at all. As usual, we did leave it cleaner than we found it. Hope other guests will do better also. This is what keeps them operating, is everyone doing their share. Thanks FS for allowing us to stay! We love the LO's! XOXO
@JamileeSAEB888 · Camped on Aug 27, 2024 at Campsite #1
I had a full experience at this lookout during the passing of a cold front that brought high winds and snow. I was surprised how much the tower could sway! The last 3 miles before the lookout are a bit of a rock crawl but I found the directions to be great on the website and the signs marked the roads well. Unfortunately I couldn't get the heater or stove to work so it was a very chilly night (got to 35) but a midnight break in the storm to see the aurora was pretty amazing. As a single person I did struggle with the trap door when I arrived and was unable to lower it while standing on the icy stairs the next morning. Sorry! The views before the storm were unbelievable and this was truly an experience I will remember forever. Thanks for the opportunity!
@JessicaN206994 · Camped on Aug 23, 2024 at Campsite #1
Great lookout!
@RebeccaRC89AED · Camped on Jul 6, 2024 at Campsite #1
Road up is definitely slow going! Glad we didn't have visitors as we took a couple kids and would have been pretty uncomfortable with 30+ people being rowdy below the lookout during our stay. Definitely seems in the norm to have people come up and be disrespectful unfortunately
@TiaS7788542 · Camped on Jul 4, 2024 at Campsite #1
Oh where to start with this lookout.. Out of 17 lookout rentals, this was the worst for visitors, and judging from the logbook, it would be rare never to have a few visitors. The first night, I had a couple with three dogs try camping below me. After speaking with them and explaining my concerns and unease with having them camp there, they agreed to move down the road and camp for the night. On the second day, I had over a group of 30+ people visit in one go! They climbed all over the lookout and became upset when I wouldnt let them through the trap door. They continued to hang out under the lookout for a few hours, making food, drinking, yelling, and playing music (they did have multiple dogs between the group, and my dog was having a fit).I should also mention that there is no gate or signage leading up to this lookout, warning visitors that the lookout is rented and that they must respect the occupants privacy. I did leave messages with the Libby and Troy Forest Service Office, so hopefully, they will make some improvements to the lookout to ensure the occupants privacy! From previous reviews, it seems Im not the only one who has made these suggestions to them with zero action. If I were to go again, Id bring a chain to put across the road - 1 mile before the lookout and padlock it. I know the Forest Service advises against this action. Still, as a single female renting a space in the remote mountains, I dont want to constantly be looking over my shoulder worrying about a creepy stranger showing up at god knows what hour of the day or night.
@JoshuaS4039138 · Camped on Jul 25, 2023 at Campsite #1
Very nice lookout. The last three miles of road were pretty rough and slow going. Gas stove and heater were a nice amenity on cold mornings. There is a creek about 7 miles down from the lookout should you need a place to cool off from the hot weather. Cell service was pretty spotty which isn't a terrible thing. Only one car came up and two hikers. Got a little nervous because past log book notes from this year write about someone named "Turd" that would come up and camp out at the base of the lookout on two different occasions. We never saw the infamous "Turd" but probably would not be as accommodating as previous guests. All in all an awesome trip, good clean lookout, comfortable beds and a clean pit toilet. Thanks FFLA, NWMT-FFLA and USFS!
@CarolynP761752 · Camped on Jul 5, 2023 at Campsite #1
The last three miles of the road is very rocky and slow. Needs major repair. The floor door through the decking is very heavy and cumbersome. The new stove is a plus. We have stayed here a dozen times and always appreciate the view, quiet and starry nights! Thank you to the rec crew who maintain these lookouts. Your hard work to keep these up is greatly appreciated.
@MaritaM00B1ABA · Camped on Jun 15, 2023 at Campsite #1
My friend and I had an awesome experience at the lookout and thankfully got lucky with the weather. I'm happy, though, that I wasn't by myself at this particular lookout because I don't believe I could have pushed the door up on my own. I'm not a small woman and although getting up there in age, not very weak, yet, thank goodness. :-) I wasn't even able to shut the door on my own, either, because I was really afraid that I wasn't going to be able to get far enough down the steps, quickly enough, so that this extremely heavy door wouldn't have knocked me out. LOL
It would be nice if this part was mentioned in the description. I'd really hate for someone to go all the way up there, just to find out they aren't able to get in the lookout.
I'm a tired, happy camper this evening, and am hoping that my review might be helpful to someone down the road. :-)
It would be nice if this part was mentioned in the description. I'd really hate for someone to go all the way up there, just to find out they aren't able to get in the lookout.
I'm a tired, happy camper this evening, and am hoping that my review might be helpful to someone down the road. :-)
@MikeS6104174 · Camped on Sep 15, 2022 at Campsite #1
Once in a lifetime experience for us. Really enjoyed the stay. Only reason it got 4 instead of 5 stars was the smoke from distant fires, really hurt the visibility.
@MistyG7051099 · Camped on Jul 22, 2022 at Campsite #1
Loved it. Was our 1st time in a lookout and we are now hooked. This was a wonderful experience. Lots of stairs. Bring bug spray and be prepared to be hot if it is late July.
Overall had a great time will do this one again.
Overall had a great time will do this one again.
@JulieB4444318 · Camped on Aug 9, 2021 at Campsite #1
The Lookout was wonderful! It was clean, beds were comfortable and appreciated the propane lights and stove. Only down sides were the hornets and the smoke from the fires prevented us from enjoying the view as much as we would have liked. Overall a wonderful experience.
@JulieB731 · Camped on Aug 9, 2021 at Campsite #1
The Lookout was wonderful! It was clean, beds were comfortable and appreciated the propane lights and stove. Only down sides were the hornets and the smoke from the fires prevented us from enjoying the view as much as we would have liked. Overall a wonderful experience.
@DarrelD510 · Camped on Jul 24, 2021 at Campsite #1
A well kept tower. Great place to go to get away from the noise and hustle of everyday life.
@DarrelD2856244 · Camped on Jul 24, 2021 at Campsite #1
A well kept tower. Great place to go to get away from the noise and hustle of everyday life.
@Darrissa547562 · Camped on Sep 10, 2020 at Campsite #1
It was beautiful everything I had expected and more.. we were able to see the sites before all the smoke rolled in and we couldn't see 100ft.. still and amazing experience. Spectrum moble is my service carrier and I had at least 1 to 2 bars at the lookout.
We went flyfishing in the rivers not to much luck for us.. Didnt get out to do hiking around the tower, but there are trails all around.
We went flyfishing in the rivers not to much luck for us.. Didnt get out to do hiking around the tower, but there are trails all around.
@DarrissaC486 · Camped on Sep 10, 2020 at Campsite #1
It was beautiful everything I had expected and more.. we were able to see the sites before all the smoke rolled in and we couldn't see 100ft.. still and amazing experience. Spectrum moble is my service carrier and I had at least 1 to 2 bars at the lookout.
We went flyfishing in the rivers not to much luck for us.. Didnt get out to do hiking around the tower, but there are trails all around.
We went flyfishing in the rivers not to much luck for us.. Didnt get out to do hiking around the tower, but there are trails all around.
@HelenD201 · Camped on Jul 29, 2020 at Campsite #1
The space was beautiful and very clean. They've done an excellent job making the space inviting and have added extra touches (e.g. a table cloth, chairs for inside and outside, NFS coloring books and crayons set up for children who visit the space). We will definitely go back!
@HelenD7151977 · Camped on Jul 29, 2020 at Campsite #1
The space was beautiful and very clean. They've done an excellent job making the space inviting and have added extra touches (e.g. a table cloth, chairs for inside and outside, NFS coloring books and crayons set up for children who visit the space). We will definitely go back!
@JonE5834226 · Camped on Jul 19, 2020 at Campsite #1
Great tower visit. Road up can get rough, several miles of dirt road with moderately uneven surface. Large rocks embedded in packed dirt, rocks might protrude 3 inches up through dirt. Imagine a rough cobblestone road with extra cobbles. High clearance recommended though you could manage it in a car if you know how to pick a line over rough spots. Please make note, road numbers change on directions from USFS, however, there are few signs to indicate when the road numbers swap in the last few miles. Just in general follow the main switchbacks up and you are fine. Narrow road, watch for others and make room where you can when passing by folks.
Cookstove in the cabin works great, read all the signs in the cabin for the best information.
Note on cell service. There is a tower in Idaho that you can catch, but please note that tower is on Pacific Timezone and your phone's clock will bounce back 1 hour. Suggested have a clock that isn't tied to a phone if you are really worried about the time for check in/out.
Expect wind, but amazing views. Can see clearly into Canada and clear up to Crowsnest Pass, Glacier NP, and across the entire Panhandle into peaks in Washington. Tower is at 6500+ ft so be prepared for elevation if you are not used to it. Thank you Three Rivers fire crew for leaving it clean for us!
Cookstove in the cabin works great, read all the signs in the cabin for the best information.
Note on cell service. There is a tower in Idaho that you can catch, but please note that tower is on Pacific Timezone and your phone's clock will bounce back 1 hour. Suggested have a clock that isn't tied to a phone if you are really worried about the time for check in/out.
Expect wind, but amazing views. Can see clearly into Canada and clear up to Crowsnest Pass, Glacier NP, and across the entire Panhandle into peaks in Washington. Tower is at 6500+ ft so be prepared for elevation if you are not used to it. Thank you Three Rivers fire crew for leaving it clean for us!
@JonE855 · Camped on Jul 19, 2020 at Campsite #1
Great tower visit. Road up can get rough, several miles of dirt road with moderately uneven surface. Large rocks embedded in packed dirt, rocks might protrude 3 inches up through dirt. Imagine a rough cobblestone road with extra cobbles. High clearance recommended though you could manage it in a car if you know how to pick a line over rough spots. Please make note, road numbers change on directions from USFS, however, there are few signs to indicate when the road numbers swap in the last few miles. Just in general follow the main switchbacks up and you are fine. Narrow road, watch for others and make room where you can when passing by folks.
Cookstove in the cabin works great, read all the signs in the cabin for the best information.
Note on cell service. There is a tower in Idaho that you can catch, but please note that tower is on Pacific Timezone and your phone's clock will bounce back 1 hour. Suggested have a clock that isn't tied to a phone if you are really worried about the time for check in/out.
Expect wind, but amazing views. Can see clearly into Canada and clear up to Crowsnest Pass, Glacier NP, and across the entire Panhandle into peaks in Washington. Tower is at 6500+ ft so be prepared for elevation if you are not used to it. Thank you Three Rivers fire crew for leaving it clean for us!
Cookstove in the cabin works great, read all the signs in the cabin for the best information.
Note on cell service. There is a tower in Idaho that you can catch, but please note that tower is on Pacific Timezone and your phone's clock will bounce back 1 hour. Suggested have a clock that isn't tied to a phone if you are really worried about the time for check in/out.
Expect wind, but amazing views. Can see clearly into Canada and clear up to Crowsnest Pass, Glacier NP, and across the entire Panhandle into peaks in Washington. Tower is at 6500+ ft so be prepared for elevation if you are not used to it. Thank you Three Rivers fire crew for leaving it clean for us!
@RyanO940 · Camped on Jul 15, 2020 at Campsite #1
We spent 2+ hours trying to find the lookout. There were no accurate road numbers to follow the instructions to the lookout. Some of the roads we traveled were barely safe to travel, others just dead-ended. Maybe if I had found accurate road maps, it would have been possible, but the local NP stations were not open.
@RyanO7757795 · Camped on Jul 15, 2020 at Campsite #1
We spent 2+ hours trying to find the lookout. There were no accurate road numbers to follow the instructions to the lookout. Some of the roads we traveled were barely safe to travel, others just dead-ended. Maybe if I had found accurate road maps, it would have been possible, but the local NP stations were not open.
@SloanS7649264 · Camped on Jul 14, 2020 at Campsite #1
Awesome tower, very clean and well equipped with some new propane appliances. Tons of deer and wildlife wandering around and so so quiet. The Kootenai rangers do an awesome job taking care of their lookouts and this one is no exception.
@SloanS451 · Camped on Jul 14, 2020 at Campsite #1
Awesome tower, very clean and well equipped with some new propane appliances. Tons of deer and wildlife wandering around and so so quiet. The Kootenai rangers do an awesome job taking care of their lookouts and this one is no exception.
@ReubenS642 · Camped on Jul 8, 2020 at Campsite #1
Great place to stay and watch the beautiful views, both day and night!
Couldn't get the pilot to light for the heater, but other than that it was a fun place to stay!
Couldn't get the pilot to light for the heater, but other than that it was a fun place to stay!
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